2010 August | Breathe Network

Some Truth About the Health Benefits of Fasting

Fasting, or the abstaining from food and water for a predetermined amount of time, and has long been a practice performed by many for a variety of reasons. Some have used fasting as a passively resistant way to speak out for a political or social cause. Others fast as a means to spiritual enlightenment, recognizing that the discipline it takes to stay away from food and water for a time opens the soul and prepares one for spiritual refection and the receiving of enlightenment and inspiration.
But in the world of physical well being, many believe that a regularly scheduled fast does much to promote overall wellness, serves as a means to cleanse the body of toxins and other harmful materials, and can be an excellent catalyst for weight loss.
With regards to fasting and weight loss, there is good news and bad news. The upside is that during times when food and water are not introduced to the body, the body takes what it needs to survive from energy stores and thereby causes the body to lose weight. Some fasts focus on particular food groups and can serve as “cleanses” in ridding the body of toxins, including excess fat. However the downside is that weight loss may only be temporary as the body naturally kicks against the effects of fasting by slowing down the metabolism, only to increase it again once a more normal diet is restored (thus adding the weight back on). In addition, excessive fasting coupled with a level of mental disturbance and a destructive obsession to lose weight can lead to certain eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa.
However, it is interesting to note that those who fast on a regular basis have shown an inexplicable increase in lifespan while other studies have shown a connection to fasting and a reduced risk of clogged arteries (the build-up of plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes). However, these “side effects” are still being studied and no conclusive evidence supports the results.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health Tagged With: Fasting, Metabolism, Weight loss

Easy Exercises for Stressed Out Hands

: Image via Wikipedia

The hands, for example, can go through a remarkable amount of stress throughout the day, especially for those who spend most of their day typing on a keyboard. But this discomfort also can extend to just about any profession – whether that is a service-oriented job like those working in food preparation or a store clerk, to those who drive for a living, to those who work with very small components in manufacturing. Regardless of the job, chances are the hands are stressed out and need a break.

Here are a coupe of easy, quick exercise to relieve the hands and wrists of harmful stress:

Stretching

Nothing promotes muscular well being like stretching, no matter where on the body. Hold the left hand out, palm facing outward. With the right hand, pull back gently on the three middle fingers, keeping the left arm outstretched and causing the hand and wrist to stretch. Hold for five seconds and repeat on the other hand.

Stress ball

As hokey as the stress ball may be (a distant cousin to the pet rock in many people’s books) they are an excellent resource to stretch the fingers and wrists, and oddly enough, they can actually reduce stress! Have a small, squeezable stress ball nearby and where you feel extra tension in the hands, have a go for a minute or two. Worse case scenario you will increase blood flow in the hands and arms and feel refreshed for doing so.

Sitting for hours upon hours every day at a desk job in the same position, with the same posture, forcing your body to go through the same motion time and time again can be taxing to the physical well-being of anyone. And while it’s always a good idea to take multiple breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk, hydrate, or even step outside for a welcome breath of fresh air, there are parts of the body that are always neglected to a fault.The hands, for example, can go through a remarkable amount of stress throughout the day, especially for those who spend most of their day typing on a keyboard. But this discomfort also can extend to just about any profession – whether that is a service-oriented job like those working in food preparation or a store clerk, to those who drive for a living, to those who work with very small components in manufacturing. Regardless of the job, chances are the hands are stressed out and need a break.Here are a coupe of easy, quick exercise to relieve the hands and wrists of harmful stress:StretchingNothing promotes muscular well being like stretching, no matter where on the body. Hold the left hand out, palm facing outward. With the right hand, pull back gently on the three middle fingers, keeping the left arm outstretched and causing the hand and wrist to stretch. Hold for five seconds and repeat on the other hand. Stress ballAs hokey as the stress ball may be (a distant cousin to the pet rock in many people’s books) they are an excellent resource to stretch the fingers and wrists, and oddly enough, they can actually reduce stress! Have a small, squeezable stress ball nearby and where you feel extra tension in the hands, have a go for a minute or two. Worse case scenario you will increase blood flow in the hands and arms and feel refreshed for doing so.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Body, Mental health, Stress, Stress ball

A Clean Body, Both Inside and Out

: Image by US Army Africa via Flickr

It is widely accepted that promoting good personal hygiene plays an important role in promoting overall health and wellness. People wash and groom themselves to be rid of harmful bacteria, impurities, and other elements that, if left unattended, could easily lead to infection and disease. Yet how many people realize that same level of thoughtful care needs to go to cleansing the inside of the body from the same harmful agents?
Harmful bacteria, viruses, and germs live and breed within the body––infecting vital organs, infiltrating the bloodstream, and thereby affecting the body’s function to energize and heal itself. Proper precautions should be taken daily (in the same way people care for the outside of the body) to rid the body of these harmful agents.
Water is an essential agent for good health, both in and out of the body. It is used to rinse the outside of the body of impurities, and should also be ingested regularly throughout the day to not only to prevent dehydration, but also carry out harmful toxins out of vital organs. Water is also a necessary vehicle to transport healthy vitamins and nutrients to the areas of the body that need them to fight off disease. As the body purges itself of these toxins, the door is opened for the body to perform better and more efficiently, resulting in more energy and even possible permanent weight loss.
Natural fiber supplements such as flax and psyllium husk should be used as a daily cleansing agent, especially during diets where no other form of fiber is being ingested. These agents, along with a bi-annual enema, do much to rid the colon of unnecessary waste that has built up over time and impedes the body’s ability to digest food properly. A teaspoon of flax in eight ounces of water three times a day is an excellent way to ensure lasting heath and good clean body.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Fasting and Cleansing, Vitamin, Weight loss

Need a Boost? Sing a Song!

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Much like laughing or even chanting, two indisputably proven ways to relieve physical stress and relieve tension, singing a song is a healthy, fun way to relieve anxiety, calm the nerves, and just plain feel good. Whether it is in the shower, an empty home, or in a car on the open road (where there are always a surprisingly high number of like-minded souls belting out a tune), singing is a wholesome, healthy way to send good vibes literally all throughout the body. Like laughter, singing creates vibrations that can release bad energy and stress from the body in very real, physiological ways. Singing also forces the abdominal core to work a little harder than usual, especially if one is really “going for it” on the high notes, and can open the lungs to better breathing and push more oxygen into the bloodstream.

Plus, singing is fun! And fun is the panacea for depression and lack of much-needed energy. For those brave souls who enjoy their song in a group setting, karaoke is a splendid way to not only enjoy the company of others and kick back, it can be a great way to sing in a safe, accepting, non-judgmental environment. It’s safe to say that even bad karaoke can be fun! And again, much like a good laugh, singing can enliven all the senses, and even make one feel like a rock star for a moment.

However singing isn’t for everyone, and may indeed cause more stress in some than good. So if the talent for singing isn’t there but the apprehension unfortunately is, try making a habit of listening to music that connects in a special way. In fact, just the simple act of listening to music can do much for personal wellness and can serve as a therapeutic tool to drive the blues away and create healthy awareness throughout all the senses.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Circulatory system, Music, Singing, Stress

Laughter and Health – More Than a Clich

It has been said that “laughter by its very definition is healthy.” While the thought is warm and fuzzy and might make for a good t-shirt slogan, there may me more truth to the idea than not. The simple act of laughter has been shown to boost energy, increase healing antibodies, and diminish stress. A good chuckle also releases endorphins into the body’s system, which in turn promotes a wonderful feeling of health and happiness throughout the being. In fact, a hearty laugh can give the same sensation as a post-workout high, relaxing the body and easing tension caused by stress. And when laughter is shared between more than one person, especially in a crowd, it has a powerful binding influence that brings people together, builds closeness, and reduces conflict.
The term “laughter is the best medicine” may be yet another outdated maxim, but there is actually a large amount of truth to the power of laughter as an agent of healing. Laughter has been shown to reinforce the immune system and serves as a powerful (and thoroughly enjoyable) deterrent to stress. It protects the heart, increasing blood flow and lessening the probability of cardiovascular disease.
Best of all, laughter is fun, which leads to good health and a positive outlook on life. Attitude truly dictates wellness, and laughter is an easy way to feeling optimism, a powerful creative and spiritual tool. However, as in all facets of life, being open to humor and opening the window to the possibility of a good laugh is, in essence, always a choice. Dwelling on the negative, holding on to past pain, and going through life with a hung head are habits that don’t leave much room for laughter to find root. But once spirits are lifted and the body is open to feeling joy and happiness, a good laugh won’t be far behind.

Filed Under: Health, Techniques Tagged With: Happiness, Health, Immune system, Laughter

Good Decisions and Auto Insurance Help Prepare Teens for Independence

Research continues to confirm that the U.S. has a problem. More children and adults are fitting into the obese category on the body mass index scale every year. As studies continue to confirm this information, the general population is beginning to realize the serious impact obesity can have on health. People who are overweight increase the risk of developing life-threatening illnesses. Obesity can improve the probability of a person getting almost every disease from cancer to cardiovascular disease.

Part of the problem is a failure of parents to teach their children how to eat. Today’s diet consists of too few vegetables and too many processed foods. Quick meals have replaced nutritious ones. When teenagers get ready to move out of the house for college, they often don’t understand the need to prepare healthy meals. Instead, they grab fast food with friends, skip meals, drink pop, and engage in other unhealthy activities. Parents can help reduce the odds of this happening by changing their own lifestyle.

Just like a smart parent won’t let a teenager drive a car without auto insurance, he or she shouldn’t send children off to college without preparing them to survive on their own. Teens need to know the value of spending their dollar on fruit or raw vegetables instead of on packages of inexpensive soup. They need to know how to read a recipe and put meals together. As a parent, you may need to buy tools your children can have in their dorm rooms in order to cook meals. Regulations vary by university, but your son or daughter may be able to use a microwave, a toaster oven, a crockpot, or another counter-top device. Many dorms have kitchens for students to use.

By knowing how to use the right tools to prepare healthy meals and by understanding the value of making good decisions, your teen can enter independence with life-long healthy habits.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Techniques Tagged With: Auto Insurance

The Fishy Facts on Vitamin E

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Those who spend a lot of time in the sun experience a wide variety of after-effects. Some need only a short amount of time to tan golden brown, while other more fair-skinned people need only a few minutes to turn as red as a tomato, and endure days of pain and misery watching their skin peel like, well, a tomato.
That kind of skin trauma in one way or the other is an obvious side effect of a prolonged sunny day outdoors. But while the rays do get their fair share of bad press, the Vitamin D that comes from sunshine is not only good for health, but essential for helping the body absorb calcium, enhance bone growth and strength, reduce the onset of arthritis, and bolster the immune system.
Interestingly enough, vitamin D is found naturally in but a few foods, meaning most people must get their recommended allotment through supplements and vitamins. In areas of the world where sunlight is at a premium during certain times of the year, notably polar regions, residents must be diligent in assuring themselves that they get enough Vitamin D. Cod liver oil, for example, has served as a natural, if albeit nasty tasting supplement that has served as a dietary mainstay for generations of polar denizens. For years it was nearly impossible to ingest this fishy syrup without having to tolerate the rancid fishy taste and bad odor. Now, cod liver oil can be taken in capsule form (although there may be a mild fishy aftertaste). And those who like theirs in liquid form easily can find a flavored version that tempers the pungent taste to a bearable level.
In addition to Vitamin D, cod liver oil carries a high level of Vitamin A, which can be both good news and bad news. Vitamin A is abundantly present in the foods people eat every day, including fruits, dairy products such as eggs and milk, and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and potatoes. That means that taking cod liver oil most likely will result in an overabundance of vitamin A, which can then accumulate in body fat and can cause body cells to swell with fluid. However, these effects can be reduced through other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, and calcium.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Herbal Medicine, Resources Tagged With: Cod liver oil, Health, Nutrients, Vitamin D

The Art of Strengthening and Stretching

The secret to good health is recognizing what the body does naturally, and building on it––making it stronger, more resilient, and training it to the point where it can run at optimum levels for longer periods of time. For example, to keep a healthy digestive system, one needs to eat a smart, balanced diet and drink lots of water. To build the heart and circulatory system, one should engage in good cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis and avoid foods that are high in cholesterol.
The same kind of care holds true for muscle strength and tone. The stronger and healthier the muscles, the better performance they can give and add to the overall structural integrity of the body. When it comes to building strength, it’s all about resistance. Simple exercises such as pushups and sit-ups can be done anywhere, anytime, while more advanced strength training with free weights or special equipment can happen with one of many portable gyms or a full-blown workout at the fitness center.
But in order to build strength, one must do more than simply build muscle mass. Muscles were built for elasticity, as that is their primary function. Through contraction and retraction, muscles provide the means to lift, move, even flutter the eyelids, and wiggle the toes. Yet for muscles to operate at peak levels, they must be cared for.
Constant stretching is key. If a muscle is tight, knotted up, or lacking in its flexibility, it can only function to a bare minimum and can adversely affect other parts of the body as they try to overcompensate. Constant stretching, from top to bottom, is a must for maximum muscle performance, and will help relieve stress. Even taking a moment now and again at the office and stretching the neck, shoulders, and back will increase blood flow, energy, and performance. Whether it be as part of a fun group yoga class, cardio exercise that requires stretching such as rowing or swimming, or the occasional massage by a licensed professional, keeping the muscles supple and flexible is key to creating good muscle tone and enhancing overall wellness.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Aerobic exercise, Fitness, Physical exercise, Strength training

Tennessee Drug Treatment and Tough Love

Crack. Heroin. Meth. Marijuana. LSD. Rave parties, late nights, loud music, and fist fights. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Wouldn’t you just love to be in the middle of all that excitement?

Think again. It leads to jail. And if you are underage, you will go to a juvenile court. Perhaps you won’t see your parents for a while. Maybe you will be sent to a juvenile camp and be put through wilderness training and trail-digging.

If this sounds like fun, you can continue on your merry way, but you might want to consider some other options before taking that pill or sniffing that inhaler. Perhaps you should consider a Tennessee drug treatment facility, one that can help you get clean. And maybe you should admit that you’ve been breaking the law.

You are used to doing that. Everyone does it, right? You’ve been doing it for years now and haven’t been caught. Yet. That’s a big word . . . “yet.” You might face the consequences next month, or maybe tomorrow. It just hasn’t happened . . . yet.

You need to face the music and admit that you need help. Take the hard step and put yourself in the hands of people who can help you get clean. Find out how to get to the root of your addiction. Obviously a fear of the law hasn’t stopped you, but maybe that’s because you haven’t considered the full ramifications of your actions. Maybe you haven’t considered what a year in jail might be like, or five years in jail. Maybe you haven’t considered the possibility of a life sentence without parole for manslaughter. And if you haven’t, you haven’t been paying attention to where drugs can lead.

Filed Under: General Discussion, Health Tagged With: Drugs, Health, Tennessee

Exercising the Mind

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It’s easy to associate good health and well being as essential elements of physical well being. After all, one needs to take care of the body to “feel” good, whether that be through consistent strengthening and conditioning, good personal hygiene, or promoting healthy nutrition through a thoughtful, balanced diet. While these things are important, even critical ingredients to building a happy healthy life, there is much more to consider.
The brain, for example, is the command center of the body, and even the most ripped body can’t function correctly if the mind is overloaded or too cluttered to focus and deliver. Just as important as eating right and exercising, it is vitally important to take time every day and care for the mental aspects of the body, and it can be as simple as taking a well-placed “time out” during the day.
For those who spend an inordinate amount of time at their desk in front of the computer, it doesn’t take long for that glassy-eyed stare at the screen to set in. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with a barrage of media – pictures, video, sounds, colors, noise – it can be easy to let sensory overload shut mental acuity down completely. Therefore it is important to take moments throughout the day and meditate and clear the mind.
One meditative exercise called Centering is a simple and fast way to refresh and enliven brainpower, and is an easy thing to do at the office. Find a spot to sit quietly and focus solely on the awareness of inner self. Block out work, distractions, and anything else that causes stress or undue discomfort. By focusing on the self, the “center,” one can be aware only of the present moment and relax the mind. The result is a restored sense of perspective and a clearer intellect which with to work.
Simple meditative exercises like Centering will not only restore and rejuvenate the mind, they will dial down stress and provide moments of much needed relaxation throughout the day.

Filed Under: Health, Herbal Medicine, Resources Tagged With: Mental health, Nutrition, Physical exercise